Director of Operations – Aerospace & Defense (Aircraft)

Nexoval Search Partners; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Annual bonus

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Nexoval Search Partners seeks a Director of Operations for a Dallas-based aerospace and defense organization focused on aircraft manufacturing and support. This senior leader will own end-to-end operational performance across production, supply chain, quality and facilities, driving safety and on-time delivery.

Lead multi-shift teams, manage the budget and ensure compliance with AS9100, FAA, ITAR/EAR. Partner with Engineering, Program Management, Finance and Business Development on new programs

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Operations; MBA preferred.
• 10+ years in operations leadership; 5+ years in senior management.
• Experience in aerospace/defense manufacturing for aircraft components.
• Strong knowledge of AS9100, FAA, ITAR and government contracting.
• Lean and Six Sigma experience; Green/Black Belt preferred.
• ERP/MRP proficiency and multi‑shift P&L experience.
• Excellent leadership and stakeholder management; U.S. Person for ITAR clearance possible.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership across manufacturing, supply chain, quality and maintenance.
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with business goals.
• Own KPIs on safety, quality, on-time delivery, cost and productivity.
• Ensure compliance with FAA, AS9100, ITAR/EAR, and DFARS.
• Lead production planning and capacity management for current programs and growth.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma and 5S.
• Develop and manage the operations budget and control costs.
• Oversee supplier performance and materials management for resilience.
• Partner on new product introductions, proposals and cost estimates.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Communication

Lean Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Operations

MBA preferred

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

P&L budgeting

Job description

Director of Operations – Aerospace & Defense (Aircraft)

Location: Dallas, Texas

Overview

Our client is an established aerospace and defense organization specializing in aircraft manufacturing and support. They are seeking an experienced Director of Operations to lead their Dallas facility. This senior leader will own end-to-end operational performance across production, supply chain, quality and facilities, driving safety, on-time delivery and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership across manufacturing, assembly, production control, supply chain, quality and maintenance functions.
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with business objectives, program commitments and customer requirements.
• Own and report on key performance indicators, including safety, quality, on-time delivery, cost and productivity.
• Ensure full compliance with aerospace and defense regulations and standards, including FAA, AS9100, ITAR/EAR and DFARS requirements.
• Lead production planning and capacity management to support current programs and future growth or rate increases.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and 5S methodologies.
• Develop and manage the operations budget, controlling costs while maximizing efficiency and resource use.
• Oversee supplier performance, procurement strategy and materials management to ensure supply chain resilience.
• Partner with Engineering, Program Management, Finance and Business Development on new product introductions, proposals and cost estimates.
• Champion a strong Environmental, Health and Safety (EH&S) culture throughout the facility.
• Lead, mentor and develop a multi-level team of managers, supervisors and technical staff across multiple shifts.
• Support customer, government and regulatory audits, and represent operations in customer and executive reviews.
• Identify and implement capital investments, automation and technology improvements to enhance manufacturing capability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business or a related field (Master’s or MBA preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive operations or manufacturing leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior management role.
• Proven experience in aerospace and defense manufacturing, ideally with aircraft or aircraft components.
• Strong working knowledge of AS9100, FAA regulations, ITAR and government contracting requirements.
• Demonstrated success applying Lean and Six Sigma principles (Green or Black Belt certification preferred).
• Experience managing P&L or large operational budgets and multi-shift workforces.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR; ability to obtain a security clearance may be required.

Benefits and Compensation

• competitive base salary of $170,000 – $210,000 per annum, depending on experience
• annual performance bonus
• comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• paid time off and holidays
• relocation assistance for the right candidate